AFP marks first year of Solomons’ International Assistance Force

It’s been one year since the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) was established to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in restoring and maintaining law and order in the country.

On 24^th November 2021, the Australian Government received a request from the Solomon Islands Government under the two countries Bilateral Security Treaty to assist with civil unrest, leading to the establishment of the SIAF.

Known as ‘Operation Skyray’, the AFP has led the operational response with an initial deployment of specialist operations members, followed by tranches of police, protective service officers and support staff.

The AFP has deployed over 140 officers to the SIAF, undertaking a range of roles in partnership with the RSIPF, including public order management, community engagement, event-based policing, targeted operations and uniform policing.

Through the SIAF, the AFP will continue to work with Solomon Islands and the RSIPF in the lead up to the 2023 Pacific Games, which will see the attendance of about 4,000 athletes and officials from 24 Pacific nations.

The SIAF Deputy Commissioner, Heath Davies, said Australia has a strong and long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands, and the AFP remains committed to working with partners to ensure the continued safety of the people, institutions and infrastructure of Solomon Islands.

“Through SIAF, the AFP has partnered with the RSIPF to ensure the safe and secure sitting of Parliament, along with providing support to other operational activities.

Solomon Islands is a valued member of our Pacific family and we look forward to providing our continued support, including supporting the RSFIP with policing for the 2023 Pacific Games,” Deputy Commissioner Davies said.

“The RSIPF thank SIAF for the ongoing support provided to maintaining the security, peace and stability in the Solomon Islands.

I look forward to our partnership continuing as we plan for the Pacific Games in 2023,” RSIPF Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau, said

SIAF is a police-led response, supported by military components, which brings together contingents from the RSIPF, and personnel from the Australian Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force and the Republic of Fiji Military.  SIAF also works closely with Police from Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.